System and method for the coupling of a head frame

Abstract

A system for mounting a head frame to a spreader includes a sheave assembly connecting the head frame to a crane so as to permit the lowering of the head frame, mutually cooperating engagement devices for coupling the head frame and the spreader, an actuator arranged to connect mutually engageable transmission connectors on the head frame and spreader, and a registration device for registering the coupling of the head frame and the spreader. The registration device is arranged to prevent engagement of the transmission connector until the head frame and spreader are coupled.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for mounting a head frame to a spreader comprising:
 a sheave assembly connecting the head frame to a crane so as to permit the lowering of said head frame; 
 mutually cooperating engagement devices for coupling the head frame and the spreader; 
 an actuator arranged to connect mutually engageable transmission connectors on the head frame and spreader; and 
 a registration device for registering the coupling of the head frame and the spreader; wherein the registration device is arranged to prevent engagement of the transmission connector until said head frame and spreader are coupled. 
 
     
     
       2. The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the registration device prevents engagement through selectively disabling the actuator. 
     
     
       3. The system according to  claim 2 , wherein on registering the coupling of the head frame and spreader, the registration device operates the actuator to engage the transmission connector. 
     
     
       4. The system according to  claim 1 , wherein on registering the coupling of the head frame and spreader, the registration device operates the actuator to engage the transmission connector. 
     
     
       5. The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the head frame may be a twin head frame in a retracted position, such that the engagement devices are positioned to engage a single spreader. 
     
     
       6. The system according to  claim 5 , wherein the twin head frame includes a master head frame and a slave head frame, with the single spreader being a master spreader, said slave head frame coupled to a slave spreader, such that the registration device is arranged to prevent engagement of the transmission connector until said registration device registers coupling of the slave head frame to the slave spreader and coupling of a sheave to the slave head frame. 
     
     
       7. The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the head frame is a first head frame of a twin head frame assembly, said twin head frame assembly in an expanded position, such that the first head frame is arranged to couple with the spreader, and further including a second spreader, the second head frame arranged to couple with the second spreader. 
     
     
       8. The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the transmission connector includes corresponding plug and socket for transmission of electrical power, data transfer and/or telecommunications signals. 
     
     
       9. The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the plug is mounted to the head frame and the socket is mounted to the spreader. 
     
     
       10. The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the registration device includes a limit switch in communication with the actuator, such that on activation of the limit switch the actuator is arranged to receive a signal and extend the connector. 
     
     
       11. The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the registration device includes a control system for receiving an input on coupling of the head frame and spreader and activating the actuator on receiving said input. 
     
     
       12. A method for mounting a head frame to a spreader comprising the steps of:
 lowering the head frame into contact with the spreader; 
 operating engagement devices and so coupling the head frame to the spreader; 
 registering the coupling of the head frame and the spreader, and when coupled, then; 
 activating an actuator to connect mutually engageable power supply connectors on the head frame and spreader so as to provide a power communication between said head frame and spreader. 
 
     
     
       13. The method according to  claim 12  wherein the head frame includes a twin head frame in a retracted position, said coupling step including coupling both head frames to the spreader. 
     
     
       14. The method according to  claim 12  wherein the head frame includes a twin head frame in an expanded position, further including a second coupling step of coupling a second head frame to a second spreader.